Prescription Charges

Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise prescription and other National Health Service charges.

Malcolm Chisholm: We shall lay before Parliament regulations to increase prescription and other National Health Service charges in Scotland from 1 April 2002. There will be a cash increase in the prescription charge of 10p (1.64%), from £6.10 to £6.20 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed.

  The cost of prescription prepayment certificates will rise to £32.40 for a four month certificate and £89.00 for an annual certificate. These offer savings for those needing more than five items in four months or 14 in one year. Prepayment certificates will, from 1 April, be available for purchase from community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.

  Prescription charges are expected to raise some £45.7 million for NHSScotland in 2002-03.

  Charges for elastic stockings and tights, wigs and most fabric supports supplied through the Hospital Service will be increased similarly.

  The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment begun on or after 1 April 2002 will increase from £360 to £366.

  We have restricted the prescription charge increase to the same cash amount as the previous three years and the other increases are in line with this percentage increase.

  NHS charges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are a matter for these administrations.